Convention Details
Need to Know Information!
Frequently Asked Questions
General
When and where is Convention 2026?
A: Sunday, Sept. 27–Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. All Convention activities take place on-site at the Convention Center. During the Main Sessions and Awards there will be tables saved for our Stevens Great group together.
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 S. 2nd Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
What’s the overall daily flow?
You can review the full agenda on the app.
What is the hotel information?
Hilton Minneapolis
1001 Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
If you are looking for a lively, active place for your team to connect over drinks and snacks and socialize with many other attendees, this hotel is the place for you. Located two blocks from the Minneapolis Convention Center with skyway access, this downtown property features elegant guestrooms with the Hilton Serenity Bed collection. It also has a fitness room, pool, hot tub, and sauna.
What should I wear?
A: For most events, business casual attire is appropriate. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan:
Comfort matters Casual, comfortable clothing is welcomed. The Minneapolis Convention Center has concrete floors, so it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes. To ensure warmth in our beautiful Minnesota fall and in sometimes chilly meeting rooms, layering is always recommended.
The Opening Night Event | Illuminate The glow isn’t complete without YOU! This is your moment to shine, and we challenge you to bring the glam, the glow, and the shimmer. Neon outfits that pop under blacklight, glowing jewelry and LED accents, bold color moments, sequined everything. Pull out your boldest look, your brightest glow, and your best energy! This is the best place to wear your Tshirts we are providing you!
Awards Gala The evening of Monday, September 28 is our premier awards gala. Typically, you will see an array of apparel, but it can best be described as cocktail attire. You will see fancy dresses, suits and even tuxes, but feel free to be yourself. Choose an outfit you’d feel comfortable wearing to a cocktail function or wedding reception.
Team spirit Many teams will design t-shirts or other apparel to show off their group’s energy. Team wear is often worn on the opening day and sometimes throughout the entire event!
Name badges You will receive your name badge at registration. Please wear it to all official activities at Convention.
When and where do I check-in and pick up my registration materials?
A: Visit the Registration/Information Desk in Foyer B.
Hours:
Sunday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday | 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday | 7:00 a.m. - Noon
Who do I see if I have questions onsite?
A: Staff at the registration & information desk can assist during the open hours noted above. Alternatively, Great Clips staff with black badges and guest relations in red shirts are available throughout the event should you need assistance.
Is there a mobile app?
A: Yes—the Great Clips Connect app will be available about one week prior to the start of the event. Information about downloading the app will be made available via email at that time.
Agenda Information
Where can I get the full schedule of events?
A: The best place to find the most current agenda is to download the mobile app. To download, use the appropriate QR code below or search the app store for Great Clips Connect. Once downloaded, log-in using the email you used to register to begin building your schedule or review available sessions.
What is "The GREAT Connection"?
A: A customizable block (11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.) with lunch, Vendor Showcase, TechTalks, Great Clips On Trend Sessions, and photo opportunities.
What are TechTalks?
A: Technology is an important part of the Great Clips system, and TechTalks provide a convenient way to learn about different tools that are available to franchisees and general managers. Presenters will deliver brief presentations on a variety of topics, including marketing tools, the new Real Estate Mapping Tool, recruiting technologies, updates to the Great Clips app, and more. You’ll also have a chance to bring your questions on the tools directly to the experts!
What are Great Clips On Trend Sessions?
A: Great Clips On Trend is your go-to for fresh, fun, and fast haircut inspiration. Every quarter, our Trend Team demonstrates 3 of the hottest trending haircuts in 1-hour, watch and learn sessions—casual, creative, and packed with real-time tips.
These sessions will feature the most popular On Trend sessions from the past year. We’ll show how our Great Clips Cutting and Clipper Systems and Foundational Haircuts are used to create looks today’s customers are loving—keeping you confident and current behind the chair. Don't miss this opportunity to see Great Clips On Trend live and in action!
When is the Vendor Showcase open?
A: Sunday from 12 - 5 p.m. and Monday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Locations & Maps
How do I find rooms for sessions?
A: The mobile app will be the most accurate location to find room assignment detail. To find the location, navigate to the session you want to attend and look for the location tag. A link to an interactive map is available to assist with wayfinding.
For large group sessions and events:
Hall B | General Sessions & Awards Dinner
Hall D | Opening Night Paty and Monday Lunch
Hall C | Vendor Showcase
Auditoriums 1–3 | TechTalks
Auditorium Main | Great Clips On Trend Sessions
Is there a map of the Convention Center?
A: Yes, there are interactive maps available in the mobile app.
Awards
When will awards be given out at Convention 2026?
A: Recognition occurs across sessions. Main Sail winners pick up awards during registration and have photo opportunities Monday.
What are the awards qualifications?
A: The Awards qualification information can be found on INsite+.
What award ribbons can I add to my name badge?
A: Ribbons representing awards you will be receiving at Convention 2026 can be added to your namebadge. Find your award ribbons at the ribbon walls during registration.
Food & Beverage
What meals are provided?
A: Breakfast Monday and Tuesday, lunch Monday, and Monday evening dinner. When you register please indicate any requested dietary accommodations. See below for more details.
What are the drink tickets for and where do I use them?
A: Attendees receive four drink tickets for alcoholic beverages that can be redeemed at the Opening Night Event and/or the Awards Ceremony & Dinner; soda and coffee are free.
Am I able to get an escort between the hotel and the Convention Center?
A: Yes. During key travel times, the Guest Relations team will be available for escorts as needed. Contact information for how to request an escort will be updated here closer to the event and provided in the Know Before You Go and Mobile App.
Is there accessible transportation between the hotels and the Convention Center?
A: A first-come, first-served skyway ride service is available for attendees who need it between the Convention Center and Hilton Minneapolis, Hotel Ivy, and Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Please indicate if you have mobility needs while registering so that we can be as prepared as possible to assist.
Signage will be available onsite with pick-up/drop-off locations and schedule information.
Policies & Reminders
No‑Show Policy
Guests who do not attend the event without prior cancellation will be considered no‑shows and are not eligible for refunds.
What is the mobile device and recording policy?
A: We encourage you to make use of the mobile app, take and share photos and join in the discussion groups. We do ask that you silence phones, tablets, and watches during sessions.
Use of video or AI recording tools is not allowed during Great Clips meetings.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
A: No—smoking is prohibited inside public facilities.
Will there be photos taken?
A: Yes—photographers, selfie stations, and formal photo areas. Photos taken by professional photographers will be available for download about 2-3 weeks following the conclusion of Convention 2026. Links to download photos will be shared via email when available.
Miscellaneous
When and where is Convention 2027?
A: Convention 2027 will be held September 14-16, 2027 at Caesars Forum Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Important Note: Caesars Forum is NOT located within Caesars Palace, but is connected via skyway to Harrah’s and The Linq hotels.